Girls' Education

A Chance in Life

The education of girls is essential to the development of families, communities and countries; it helps grow the economy

An extra year of schooling will increase a woman's future earnings by about 15 per cent, compared with 11 per cent for a man

They are likely to marry at a later age and have fewer and healthier children. Educated women will understand the importance of educating their own children and are more likely to play active roles in their communities

In Bihar only 29% of women are literate, in Jharkhand 49%. There secondary schools are scarce and often of poor quality. These enrol few girls and fewer still from poor families, partly because most parents still prefer to educate their sons rather than their daughters.

Photo by: Simon Williams

How AVI supports Girls' Education

AVI supports the education of 200 girls per year in Bihar and Jharkhand. The girls will often be the first generation to have attended school

The project helps change people’s attitude towards girls’ education. In the villages where there are girls being sponsored they become role models for their communities
Most importantly partners engage parents in conversations about allowing time for the girl’s to study at home and to encourage school attendance. (Absenteeism is very high in state schools)
All parents sign an agreement that they will not arrange their daughter’s marriage before completion of secondary school. Participating girls will be given school or private tuition fees and extra tuition when needed to prepare for exams. They will also be given learning materials – text books, stationary, uniforms and travel costs.

You can make regular or one off payment to support this project by visiting Just Giving: